Sally Gordon Petrillo

Sally Gordon Petrillo, age 83, of Wilmington, DE, peacefully made her transition on November 26, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born to the late Morris and Natalie Gordon, Sally attended Notre Dame Academy in Washington, D.C. and graduated from the University of Delaware. A professional painter, Sally generously shared her art with family, friends, and charitable causes. Her proudest accomplishment was founding the Women of Visual Arts Scholarship Fund, which continues to support local artists on their creative journeys.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Natalie, and her beloved sisters, Marlene Matthews and Judy Smith. She is survived by her sons, Michael Petrillo (Andrea) and Bill Petrillo; her grandchildren, Daniel Petrillo (Jillian), Lauren Petrillo, Coleman Petrillo (Madeline), Lindsay Petrillo, Cameron Petrillo, and great-grandson, Maxwell Petrillo; her sisters, Linda Birch (Teddy) and Alexis Watson (Stanley); her brother, Peter Gordon (Janet); her brother in-law George Mathews and generations of nieces and nephews.

Sally’s journey through life was defined by kindness, compassion, and a profound sense of spirituality that guided her through life’s challenges. She touched countless lives with her warmth, optimism, and unconditional love, from family and friends to strangers. She had a rare gift for seeing the best in people and the beauty in the world, offering comfort, support, and advice to all who needed it. Her presence could brighten any day, and a conversation with her never failed to lift your spirit and put a smile on your face, no matter the circumstances.

Family was everything to Sally, and she was everything to her family. She found immense pride and happiness in her children and grandchildren and joy in her relationships with her siblings and their families. Though she will be dearly missed, her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sally’s memory may be respectfully made to the Center for Spiritual Living Delaware (c/o Rev. Dr. Kathleen Johnson, 401 Hawthorne Ct. East, Hockessin, DE 19707; centerforspirituallivingde.com).